WHEREAS, the South Carolina Commission on the Status of Women (the "Commission") was established in 1970 to study issues which included educational and employment opportunities for women, equal rights and salary disparity among men and women, and expanded services for women as wives and mothers; and

WHEREAS, since 1970 the Commission has changed its areas of focus and study to include domestic violence prevention, women's health and women's participation in the political process; and

WHEREAS, it is essential that the State address issues that are of concern to women in South Carolina in a manner that will effectively advance the goal of improving the status of women in South Carolina.

NOW, THEREFORE, I do hereby establish the South Carolina Advisory Committee to Study the Goals of the Commission on the Status of Women ("Advisory Committee"). The Advisory Committee shall advise the Governor on the goals and direction of the Commission to include:

Studying the duties and responsibilities of the Commission since its establishment in 1970,
and the issues facing women in South Carolina today;

Identifying specific initiatives and strategies to further the advancement of women in South
Carolina;

Determine the most effective and efficient method of achieving the goals identified to advance
the status of women in South Carolina today; and

Examine the services provided by the Commission in relation to services provided by other
government agencies, private and public interest groups.

The Advisory Committee shall be comprised of individuals designated by the Governor who represent educational, business, law enforcement, legislative and government sectors of South Carolina. The Advisory Committee shall prepare written recommendations to the Governor no later than May 1, 2004.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 4th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2003.